U.S. patent application number 11/662643 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-08 for method apparatus and system of remote monitoring.
Invention is credited to Shahar Belkin.
Application Number | 20090009597 11/662643 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36060418 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090009597 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Belkin; Shahar |
January 8, 2009 |
Method Apparatus and System of Remote Monitoring
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus
and system of remote monitoring. The apparatus according to some
demonstrative embodiments of the invention may include a camera
positioned to capture an image within a field of view including a
monitored area; a transmitter to transmit data corresponding to the
image over a communication channel during a transmission time
period; and a blocking arrangement to selectively block at least
part of the field of view during at least part of said transmission
time period, in a conspicuous manner. Other embodiments are
described and claimed.
Inventors: |
Belkin; Shahar; (Kibbutz
Nahal-Oz, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP
1500 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
36060418 |
Appl. No.: |
11/662643 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
September 13, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL05/00975 |
371 Date: |
September 15, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60608881 |
Sep 13, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/143 ;
348/E5.001 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 13/19636 20130101;
G08B 13/19686 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/143 ;
348/E05.001 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18 |
Claims
1. A monitoring unit comprising: a camera positioned to capture an
image within a field of view including a monitored area; a
transmitter to transmit data corresponding to said image over a
communication channel during a transmission time period; and a
blocking arrangement to selectively block at least part of said
field of view during at least part of said transmission time
period, in a conspicuous manner.
2. The monitoring unit of claim 1, wherein said blocking
arrangement is to selectively block at least part of said field of
view based on a control signal indicating said data is being
transmitted over said channel.
3. The monitoring unit of claim 2, wherein said blocking
arrangement comprises: a shutter to be positioned in at least first
and second positions, said shutter, when in said first position, at
least partially blocks said field of view; and a controller to
controllably move said shutter between said first and second
positions based on said control signal, wherein a difference
between said first and second positions is conspicuous to an
observer in said monitored area.
4. The monitoring unit of claim 3 comprising a position maintainer
to maintain said shutter in a selected one of said first and second
positions independently of said control signal.
5. The monitoring unit of claim 2, wherein said blocking
arrangement comprises a controller to controllably move said camera
between at least first and second positions based on said control
signal, wherein when in said first position, said camera has a
field of view not including at least part of said monitored area,
and wherein a difference between said first and second positions is
conspicuous to an observer in said monitored area.
6. The monitoring unit of claim 5, wherein said first and second
positions comprise first and second orientations about a rotation
axis of said camera, said controller is able to controllably rotate
said camera between first and second orientations.
7. The monitoring unit of claim 6, wherein when in said first
orientation, said camera is directed towards a predetermined
surface.
8. A method of monitoring an area comprising: positioning a camera
to capture an image within a field of view including a monitored
area; transmitting data corresponding to said image over a
communication channel during a transmission time period; and
selectively blocking at least part of said field of view during at
least part of said transmission time period, in a conspicuous
manner.
9. The method of claim 8 comprising generating a control signal
indicating said data is being transmitted over said channel,
wherein said selectively blocking comprises selectively blocking at
least part of said field of view based on said control signal.
10. The method of claim 9 comprising: controllably moving a shutter
between first and second positions based on said control signal,
wherein said shutter, when in said first position, at least
partially blocks said field of view, and wherein a difference
between said first and second positions is conspicuous to an
observer in said monitored area.
11. The method of claim 10 comprising maintaining said shutter in a
selected one of said first and second positions independently of
said control signal.
12. The method of claim 9 comprising controllably move said camera
between at least first and second positions based on said control
signal, wherein when in said first position, said camera has a
field of view not including at least part of said monitored area,
and wherein a difference between said first and second positions is
conspicuous to an observer in said monitored area.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said first and second positions
comprise first and second orientations about a rotation axis of
said camera, and wherein controllably moving said camera comprises
controllably rotating said camera between first and second
orientations.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein when in said first orientation,
said camera is directed towards a predetermined surface.
15. A monitoring system comprising: a monitoring station; and at
least one monitoring unit comprising: a camera positioned to
capture an image within a field of view including a monitored area;
a transmitter to transmit to said monitoring station over a
communication channel, data corresponding to said image during a
transmission time period; and a blocking arrangement to selectively
block at least part of said field of view during at least part of
said transmission time period, in a conspicuous manner.
16. The monitoring system of claim 15, wherein said blocking
arrangement is to selectively block at least part of said field of
view based on a control signal indicating said data is being
transmitted over said channel.
17. The monitoring system of claim 16, wherein said blocking
arrangement comprises: a shutter to be positioned in at least first
and second positions, said shutter, when in said first position, at
least partially blocks said field of view; and a controller to
controllably move said shutter between said first and second
positions based on said control signal, wherein a difference
between said first and second positions is conspicuous to an
observer in said monitored area.
18. The monitoring system of claim 17 comprising a position
maintainer to maintain said shutter in a selected one of said first
and second positions independently of said control signal.
19. The monitoring system of claim 16, wherein said blocking
arrangement comprises a controller to controllably move said camera
between at least first and second positions based on said control
signal, wherein when in said first position, said camera has a
field of view not including at least part of said monitored area,
and wherein a difference between said first and second positions is
conspicuous to an observer in said monitored area.
20. The monitoring system of claim 19, wherein said first and
second positions comprise first and second orientations about a
rotation axis of said camera, said controller is able to
controllably rotate said camera between first and second
orientations.
21. The monitoring system of claim 20, wherein when in said first
orientation, said camera is directed towards a predetermined
surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application, 60/608,881, filed Sep. 13, 2004, the entire disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Remote monitoring systems may include one or more cameras in
communication with a monitoring station and positioned at one or
more predetermined locations to be monitored. The cameras may be
able to capture a predetermined scene and transmit, e.g., to the
monitoring station and/or to any other suitable remote device,
image data corresponding to the captured scene. Such systems may be
implemented for many desired purposes, for example, security
purposes.
[0003] Some monitoring cameras may be able to selectively transmit
the image data, e.g., to the monitoring station, according to a
predetermined transmission scheme. For example, some cameras, e.g.,
implemented for security purposes, may be able to transmit image
data to the monitoring station upon detecting a movement in the
captured scene.
[0004] A person may feel uncomfortable in the presence of a
monitoring camera even during time periods in which the camera is
not actively transmitting image data, for example, because the
person cannot determine with certainty whether or not image data is
actually being transmitted by the camera. Furthermore, a monitored
person may feel unsafe because the monitoring camera may be abused,
e.g., electronically manipulated, to transmit the image data
without authorization.
[0005] As a result, the potential market for implementing
conventional monitoring systems to monitor premises, for example,
private residences and/or offices, has not been fully realized.
SUMMARY OF DEMONSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention provide a
method, apparatus and system of remote monitoring.
[0007] Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a
monitoring unit including a camera positioned to capture an image
within a field of view including a monitored area; a transmitter to
transmit data corresponding to the image over a communication
channel during a transmission time period; and a blocking
arrangement to selectively block at least part of the field of view
during at least part of said transmission time period, in a
conspicuous manner.
[0008] According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, the blocking arrangement is able to selectively block at
least part of the field of view based on a control signal
indicating the data is being transmitted over the channel.
[0009] According to one demonstrative embodiment of the invention,
the blocking arrangement may include a shutter to be positioned in
at least first and second positions. The shutter, when in the first
position, may at least partially block the field of view of the
camera. The blocking arrangement may also include a controller to
controllably move the shutter between the first and second
positions based on the control signal. A difference between the
first and second positions may be conspicuous, for example, to an
observer in the monitored area. The monitoring unit may also
include, for example, a position maintainer to maintain the shutter
in a selected one of the first and second positions, e.g.,
independently of the control signal.
[0010] According to another demonstrative embodiment of the
invention, the blocking arrangement may include a controller to
controllably move the camera between at least first and second
positions based on the control signal. When in the first position,
the camera may have, for example, a field of view not including at
least part of the monitored area. A difference between the first
and second positions may be conspicuous to an observer in the
monitored area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and
method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages
thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following
detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a remote monitoring
system according to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a camera configuration
according to one demonstrative embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a camera configuration
according to another demonstrative embodiment of the invention;
and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a camera configuration
according to yet another demonstrative embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, elements shown in the drawings have not necessarily
been drawn accurately or to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements
for clarity or several physical components included in one
functional block or element. Further, where considered appropriate,
reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate
corresponding or analogous elements. Moreover, some of the blocks
depicted in the drawings may be combined into a single
function.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DEMONSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0017] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the invention. However, it will be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits may not
have been described in detail so as not to obscure the present
invention.
[0018] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the
following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing,"
"computing," "calculating," "determining," or the like, refer to
the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or
similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or
transform data represented as physical, such as electronic,
quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories
into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within
the computing system's memories, registers or other such
information storage, transmission or display devices. In addition,
the term "plurality" may be used throughout the specification to
describe two or more components, devices, elements, parameters and
the like.
[0019] Reference is made to FIG. 1, which schematically illustrates
a remote monitoring system 100 according to some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, system 100 may include a monitoring station 102 able to
communicate with one or more remote monitoring units, e.g., remote
monitoring units 104, 106 and 108, via one or more communication
channels 120. Communication channels 120 may include any suitable
communication channels, e.g., one or more wired or wireless
communication channels as are known in the art. For example, system
100 may be part of a wireless communication system, a digital
communication system, or a satellite communication system.
[0021] According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, one or more of remote units 104, 106 and 108 may include
a camera configuration 105, e.g., including a camera 112, and a
blocking arrangement 116, as are described in detail below.
[0022] According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, one or more of remote units 104, 106, and 108 may also
include an transmitter 110 able to receive from camera 112 an image
data signal 122, e.g., corresponding to an image or a scene
captured by camera 112. Transmitter 110 may be able to encode the
image data of signal 122 and produce an encoded signal 123 having a
form suitable for transmission via channel 120, e.g., using any
suitable encoding method as known in the art. For example,
transmitter 110 may be or may include the Ozline-4VC encoder
available from by Ozvision Ltd., Israel.
[0023] According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, transmitter 110 may be able to selectively transmit the
encoded data to station 102, e.g., in accordance with one or more
predetermined transmission schemes. For example, transmitter 110
may be able to produce signal 123 upon receiving a control signal
131, e.g., from station 102. Additionally or alternatively,
transmitter 110 may be able to process the image data of signal 122
and to selectively transmit signal 123 according to one or more
predetermined criteria. For example, transmitter 110 may be adapted
to detect a change e.g., indicative of a movement, in the image
data of signal 122, e.g., using any suitable motion detection
algorithm as known in the art, and to produce signal 123 upon
detection of one or more change fulfilling one or more
predetermined motion detection rules.
[0024] Aspects of the invention are described herein in the context
of a demonstrative embodiment of a camera, e.g., camera 112, an
encoder, a transmitter, e.g., transmitter 110, and a blocking
arrangement, e.g., arrangement 116, being separate units of a
remote unit, e.g., remote unit 104. However, it will be appreciated
by those skilled in the art that, according to other embodiments of
the invention, any other combination of integral or separate units
may also be used to provide the desired functionality. For example,
in some embodiments of the invention the camera may include the
transmitter.
[0025] According to demonstrative embodiments of the invention,
blocking arrangement 116 may be able to selectively block the field
of view of camera 112, for example, when image data is transmitted
out from remote unit 104, e.g., to station 102, as described below.
For example, blocking arrangement 116 may be controlled by a
control signal 139, which may be produced by transmitter 110, e.g.,
when transmitting image data to station 102, e.g., via signal 123.
Additionally or alternatively, blocking arrangement 116 may be
controlled by a control signal 193, which may be produced by a data
transmission sensing unit 191 able to detect a transmission to
station 102, e.g., via signal 123. The physical blocking of the
field of view of camera 112 may be performed in a manner noticeable
to a person or persons in the monitored area, e.g., clearly and
conspicuously, whereby the person or persons in the monitored area
may be reassured that they are not being monitored, as further
explained below.
[0026] According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, monitoring station may include any suitable hardware
and/or circuitry, e.g., as are known in the art, for controllably
receiving the image data of one or more of the remote monitoring
units, and, optionally, for processing the image data, e.g., using
any suitable algorithm as known in the art.
[0027] According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, system 100 may also include one or more remote access
units, e.g., devices 141, 142 and 143, able to communicate with
monitoring station 102, e.g., to receive information relating to
one or more of remote monitoring units 104, 106 and 108. For
example, one or more of access units 141, 142 and 143 may include a
computing platform, e.g., a personal computer, a desktop computer,
a mobile computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a
terminal, a workstation, a server computer, a Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA) device, a tablet computer, a network device, or
other suitable computing device. For example, one or more of access
units 141, 142 and 143 may be able to communicate with station 102
via a secure or non-secure communication channel, e.g., a wired or
wireless communication channel as is known in the art. One or more
of units 141, 142 and 143 may be able to receive from station 102
an indication, e.g., a visual and/or an audible indication,
corresponding to a status of a remote location at which a
corresponding one of units 140, 106 and 108 is positioned. For
example, access unit 141 may be able to receive an image
corresponding to the image captured by camera 112. Additionally or
alternatively, access unit 141 may be able to receive an
indication, e.g., a visual and/or audible alert, corresponding to a
change or a movement detected in one or more of the image captured
by camera 112.
[0028] Reference is made to FIG. 2, which schematically illustrates
a camera configuration 200 according to one demonstrative
embodiment of the invention.
[0029] According to the demonstrative embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2, camera configuration 200 may include a camera 202 having a
lens or a lens system 204 able to capture an image or a scene of a
field of view 210. Camera 202 may include any suitable camera as is
known in the art. For example, camera 202 may include the
Dinion.sup.xf security camera available from Bosch security
systems, New York, USA. In some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, camera 202 and/or lens system 204 may be adapted to
adjust the size and/or direction of field of view 210, for example,
using a zooming mechanism, and/or a positioning mechanism for
controllably rotating and/or displacing camera 202 and/or parts of
lens system 204. Such mechanisms are well known in the art.
[0030] According to demonstrative embodiments of the invention,
camera configuration 200 may include a blocking arrangement 220 to
selectively block field of view 210 based on a control signal 222,
e.g., received from a transmitter 230, such that blocking
arrangement 220 may selectively obstruct camera 202, e.g., in a
manner conspicuous to a person in or around field of view 210, from
capturing the image of field of view 210.
[0031] According to demonstrative embodiments of the invention,
blocking arrangement 220 may include a shutter 224 and a control
mechanism 226 for controllably moving shutter 226, e.g., in
accordance with a value of signal 222. For example, control
mechanism 226 may be able to controllably rotate shutter 224, e.g.,
as indicated by arrow 240, between an "open" position wherein the
field of view of camera 204 is not blocked by shutter 224, and a
"closed" position wherein the field of view of camera 202 is
blocked by shutter 224. Blocking arrangement 220 may include any
suitable mechanism and/or circuitry, e.g., as are known in the art,
for controllably rotating shutter 224 between the "open" and
"closed" positions. For example, control mechanism 226 may be able
to maintain shutter 224 at the "open" position as long as mechanism
226 receives signal 222 having a value indicative of transmitter
230 transmitting image data captured by camera 202, for example, to
a monitoring station, e.g., station 102 (FIG. 1). Control mechanism
226 my be able to rotate shutter 224 to the "closed" position upon
receiving signal 222 having a value indicative of transmitter 230
not transmitting image data captured by camera 202, e.g., to the
monitoring station, and/or if signal 222 is not received by control
mechanism 226.
[0032] According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, camera configuration 200 may also include a locking
module 239 able to selectively lock shutter 224 in a desired one of
the "open" and "closed" positions, e.g., such that shutter 224 is
maintained at the desired position independently of the value of
signal 222. According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, locking module 239 may include a manual mechanism, e.g.,
including a pin (not shown), for manually securing shutter 224 in
either one of the "closed" or "open" positions. Additionally or
alternatively, locking module 239 may include any suitable, e.g.,
electrical, "open/close" button or switch, e.g., as is known in the
art, to control mechanism 226 to maintain shutter 224 in a desired
one of the "open" and "closed" positions.
[0033] According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, camera configuration may also include one or more
indicators for indicating whether or not transmitter 230 is
transmitting signals 259. The one or more indicators may include,
for example, a visual indicator, e.g., a Light Emitting Diode (LED)
267, and/or an audible indicator, e.g., a speaker 261, associated
with transmitter 230 and/or blocking arrangement 220 and able to
produce a visual and/or audible indication whenever signals 259 are
transmitted. LED 267 and/or speaker 261 may be implemented as
separate units or as part of camera 202 or blocking arrangement
220.
[0034] Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention are
described above in relation to a camera configuration, e.g.,
configuration 200, including a camera, e.g., camera 202, and a
blocking arrangement, e.g., arrangement 220, able to selectively
block a field of view of the camera by selectively moving a
blocking element, e.g., shutter 224, between "open" and "closed"
positions. However it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that according to other embodiments of the invention the camera
configuration may include a camera and a blocking arrangement able
to selectively block the field of view of the camera using any
other mechanism and/or method. For example, the blocking
arrangement may include a mechanism for moving and/or rotating the
camera such that the lens of the camera captures an image in a
predetermined direction, e.g., as described below.
[0035] Reference is made to FIG. 3, which schematically illustrates
a camera configuration 300 according to another demonstrative
embodiment of the invention.
[0036] According to the demonstrative embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 3, camera configuration 300 may include a camera 302 having a
lens or lens system 304 and supported by a support element, e.g., a
supporting pole 397. Configuration 300 may also include a
controllable rotation mechanism 316, e.g., including a controller
to control a motor (not shown) to selectively rotate camera 302,
e.g., around a rotation axis 312. For example, rotation mechanism
316 may be able to selectively rotate camera 302, e.g., as
indicated by arrow 310, between a first, e.g., horizontal, position
and a second, e.g., vertical, position in accordance with a control
signal 317, e.g., received from transmitter 110 (FIG. 1). According
to some demonstrative embodiments of the invention, lens system 304
may capture an image of a first field of view 319 when camera 302
is at the first position, and a second field of view 321 when
camera 302 is at the second position. The first and second
positions of camera 302 may be chosen such that field of view 319
may include a desired field of view for monitoring, e.g., for
remote monitoring, and field of view 321 may include a field of
view not useful for monitoring. For example, the second position of
the camera may be chosen such that lens system 304 may be directed
to a surface 314, e.g., of a wall or a ceiling, with no significant
field of view in the monitoring area. It will be appreciated that
when camera 302 is in the second position, a person or persons in
the area to be monitored may be reassured that they are not being
monitored.
[0037] Reference is made to FIG. 4, which schematically illustrates
a camera configuration 400 according to yet another demonstrative
embodiment of the invention.
[0038] According to the demonstrative embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 4, camera configuration 400 may include a camera 402 having a
lens or lens system 401. Configuration 400 may have a first mode of
operation, e.g., wherein a field of view of lens 401 is blocked;
and a second mode of operation, e.g., wherein lens system 401 may
capture a field of view useful for monitoring, as described
below.
[0039] According to some demonstrative embodiments of the
invention, camera 402 may be selectively movable e.g., as indicated
by arrow 403, between first and second positions corresponding to
the first and second operation modes of configuration 400,
respectively. For example, configuration 404 may include a motor
arrangement 404 for sliding camera 402 along a track 406.
Configuration 400 may also include a blocking arrangement 410 for
selectively blocking a field of view of lens system 401. For
example, blocking arrangement 410 may include a shutter 412, which
may be selectively moveable, e.g., as indicated by arrow 414,
between open and closed positions corresponding to the first and
second modes of operation of configuration 400. Configuration 400
may also include a controller 419 to control the movement of
shutter 412 between the closed and open positions, and/or the
movement of camera 402 between the first and second positions, for
example, in accordance with a control signal 417, e.g., received
from transmitter 110 (FIG. 1). When configuration 400 is in the
first mode of operation, the field of view of lens 401 may be
conspicuously blocked by shutter 412.
[0040] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a
person may generally feel comfortable in the presence of a camera
configuration including a blocking arrangement according to
demonstrative embodiments of the invention, since the person may be
certain that images are not being captured by the camera when the
camera is in the "closed" position. Thus, the remote monitoring
systems with camera configurations according to embodiments of the
invention, e.g., as are described above, may be implemented for
monitoring any desired one or more remote locations, e.g.,
including private and/or sensitive locations, for example, private
residences, apartments and/or offices, without instilling
unnecessary concerns in the residents or employees at such
locations during non-monitored time periods, for example, during
office hours in case of an office environment.
[0041] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by
software, by hardware, or by any combination of software and/or
hardware as may be suitable for specific applications or in
accordance with specific design requirements. Embodiments of the
present invention may include units and sub-units, which may be
separate of each other or combined together, in whole or in part,
and may be implemented using specific, multi-purpose or general
processors, or devices as are known in the art. Some embodiments of
the present invention may include buffers, registers, storage units
and/or memory units, for temporary or long-term storage of data
and/or in order to facilitate the operation of a specific
embodiment.
[0042] While certain features of the invention have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications,
substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those of
ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that
the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications
and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
* * * * *